It’s “very difficult” to sign Chelsea's Juan Mata: Napoli manager Rafa Benitez

Rafa Benitez and Juan Mata

Napoli boss Rafael Benitez has played down suggestions that he will strengthen his squad with the signing of unsettled Chelsea stars Juan Mata and David Luiz in January.

Both players have struggled for game time under Jose Mourinho, but it now seems if they are to leave West London, they will not be heading to the Serie A side.

The Spaniard, who spent time at the helm of the West London outfit as interim boss last season, has long been linked with his former charges, but has now claimed he is “pleased” with his current squad.

During a press conference ahead of his side’s clash with Sampdoria Benitez also dismissed claims that he wanted to bolster his ranks with Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano – who he took to Liverpool back in 2007 – or an exit for highly rated Colombian striker Duvan Zapata was imminent.

“I am pleased with the squad we have. There has been talk of a departure for Duvan Zapata, but that is not true. I am happy with him, and he stays here.

“I read in the papers that we are close to a deal for Mascherano, David Luiz and Mata, but that is not true. It is very difficult to get players like that,” declared Benitez.

The 53-year-old also went on to heap praise on his current crop of players by suggesting there was no need for him to delve into the transfer market as the calibre of players available cannot match what is already at his disposal.

“On most of the players linked with Napoli, there isn’t a real interest from us. Signing a defender? At Christmas I watched the Premier League and I didn’t see any players at (Raul) Albiol’s level. And there are few players in the market stronger than (Miguel) Britos and (Federico) Fernandez.”

Juan Mata’s Performance Score was an impressive 873 at this stage last season compared to his current total of a paltry 215.